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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Cold sores around lip
Posted on: 03/24/2010
Question
I get cold sores around my lip often. My doctor already told me its not an std because I haven't been engaged in sex or any other sexual activities. My question is, what causes them and how long will it be before they stop showing up at all?
Answer
If you get these sores coming back again in roughly the same place, it's probably caused by Herpes virus type 1. This is a very common virus that most of us get exposed to as children, and is most often not sexually transmitted (although it can be). Two-thirds of us have been exposed to this by the time we're adults. It's related to, but different from, the herpes virus type 2 that is the most common cause of sexually transmitted herpes. The cold sores you have can come back with certain types of stress, including sun exposure, dental work, fever (hence the name, "fever blisters") or in some cases, with menstrual periods. Though these outbreaks of painful blisters on the lips usually only last a few days, you can take a medication that's active against the virus that can shorten the course. You might want to ask your doctor about this, so next time they occur you can start treatment right away. It's more effective if started within one to two days of the pain starting.